In this blog post, we show you best practice for server upgrades that can save you time and money. We highlight typical pitfalls and provide you with practical tips. This way, your IT landscapes will always be up to date – without unnecessary stress.

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between an upgrade and an update, take a look at our FAQ: Update vs Upgrade – What’s the difference?

Server upgrades are more than just routine tasks-they are the backbone of a secure and efficient IT infrastructure. You may think regular upgrades only cost time and disrupt operations. But outdated systems come with significant risks.

1. best practice in the preparation of server upgrades

Thorough preparation is the first step to a successful server upgrade. Without clear planning, even small changes can lead to unexpected problems. But how do you ensure that your upgrade goes smoothly?

The time you invest in preparation will pay off later and prevent potential complications. In this section, you will learn what preparations are necessary to minimize risks and make the process efficient. This will lay the foundations for an upgrade that will make your systems more secure and efficient.

  • Check the backup options and the status of the existing backups:
    Before you start the upgrade, make sure that you have up-to-date backups of all important data. In the event of an unexpected problem, you can revert to the previous version at any time. Also check that the backups are complete and functional. It wouldn’t be the first time that a problem went undetected when backing up an old server.

  • Checking the Windows server settings:
    It is essential to document the current settings of your Windows server. This includes firewall rules, time zone and language settings. Dot or comma notations in particular can easily be overlooked.

  • Dokumentieren aller Freigaben:
    Create a detailed list of all network shares. This list will help you to restore all authorizations and accesses correctly after the upgrade. Nothing is more annoying than having to go through the entire network plan after the upgrade to reconstruct authorizations.

  • Check the event log of the server and the applications:
    Take a look at the event logs and application-specific logs for error messages or warnings. These may indicate existing problems that should be rectified before the update.

  • Softwareliste erstellen und Kompatibilitätsprüfung:

    Creates a complete list of all installed applications and checks their compatibility with the new system. Some applications may require upgrades or may not work with the new server version.

  • Document access data:
    Make sure that you have all the necessary access data to hand, especially that of service accounts. As all services must be re-authenticated after the update.

  • Entscheidung “In Place” oder Neuinstallation:
    Now you have an overview of the scope and possible hurdles of your upgrade. This will help you to decide whether an in-place update or a new installation is more suitable for your situation. An in-place update is less time-consuming, while a new installation offers a cleaner system environment.

  • Createupdate FAHRPLAN:
    Plans the update process in detail. Take into account the criticality of the systems and choose a time that causes little disruption to operations. A step-by-step checklist for each application helps to maintain an overview and minimize potential risks.

    We are happy to offer you our support in creating this roadmap.
    Contact us now to create your optimal update roadmap together!

  • Installation und Vorbereitung des neuen Zielsystems:
    Prepare the new target system carefully. Install the operating system so that you don’t have to do anything on the day of the upgrade that you can complete at a less critical time.

2. implementation of the server upgrade

Once you have completed all the preparations, it is now time to carry out the actual server upgrade. A structured approach is crucial to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth process. In this section, you will learn how to apply Server Upgrade best practice in this step too.

Someone is preparing their servers for the update

  • Estimate downtimes correctly:
    A realistic estimate of downtimes is essential for a smooth upgrade process. From our experience, we would not upgrade more than 1.5 to 2 servers per day. This way you avoid unexpected delays and can organize operations optimally.

  • Transferring the Windows server settings:
    Carefully transfer the existing Windows server settings to the new system. This includes firewall rules, user accounts and regional settings such as time zone and language. An accurate transfer of the previously collected data is essential.

  • Installation und Konfiguration aller Applikationen:
    Installiert alle notwendigen Anwendungen auf dem aktualisierten Server und konfiguriert sie gemäß euren Anforderungen. Achtet darauf, kompatible Softwareversionen zu verwenden, um Funktionalitätsprobleme zu vermeiden. So gewährleistet ihr, dass alle Dienste nahtlos weiterlaufen.

  • Working through the SCHEDULE:
    Strictly follow the previously created schedule from the preparation. This plan serves as a guide and helps you not to overlook any important steps. By following the process exactly, you minimize risks and keep track of progress.

  • Eigene Funktionstests:

    Führt umfassende Funktionstests der installierten Anwendungen durch. So stellt ihr sicher, dass alle Systeme einwandfrei laufen.

  • Handover to the department:
    Now you hand over the applications to the respective department; availability should be guaranteed immediately or the next day, especially for critical systems.

  • Abschalten des alten Systems:
    Nachdem alle Tests erfolgreich abgeschlossen sind und der Fachbereich die Systeme abgenommen hat, könnt ihr das alte System abschalten. Vergewissert euch, dass alle Daten migriert wurden und keine Abhängigkeiten mehr bestehen. So verhindert ihr unnötige Ressourcenbindung und erleichtert die Systemverwaltung.

3. post-processing of a server upgrade

Once the server upgrade has been successfully completed, the work is not quite done. Follow-up is just as important to ensure that everything runs smoothly and potential problems are identified early on. In this section, we look at the final steps you should take after the upgrade.

After the update an employee is checking if the the server functions properly

  • Waiting for feedback from the specialist department:
    Once the systems are up and running again, it is crucial to wait for feedback from the specialist departments. They can confirm whether all applications are working as usual or whether there are any discrepancies. This direct feedback helps to quickly identify and resolve any problems.

  • Transfer to the monitoring systems and backup structures:
    Ensure that the updated servers are integrated into your monitoring systems and backup structures. Check that the monitoring of the systems is working properly and that all necessary alarms have been set up. Especially in the first phase after the upgrade, early detection of problems can save important time and money.

  • Hypercare phase:
    During the hypercare phase, the system is under special observation. During this time, you should pay more attention to error messages and performance indicators. Intensive support after the upgrade means that minor problems can be identified and rectified at an early stage before they have a major impact.

We help with your updates and upgrades

We have developed an efficient, fast and transparent method to perform your server updates and upgrades with as little downtime as possible. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between updates and upgrades, then take a look at this blog: Update vs Upgrade – What’s the difference?

Contact us today for your free initial consultation